What happens if I disagree with Erie’s decision on my auto insurance claim?

Erie is known for being one of the best auto insurance agencies in the industry. You can read more about the company in our Erie Auto Insurance Review.

Despite Erie’s success, the company might make a decision you aren’t happy with. So what happens if you disagree with Erie’s decision on your auto insurance claim? There are ways you can contest a claim denial or a settlement offer that is lower than you expected. Below, we discuss how to appeal the denial or low settlement offer. (For more information, read our “What happens if I disagree with the insurance company’s decision on my claim?“).

What to do if You Disagree With Erie’s Decision on Your Auto Insurance Claim

The first thing you should do when Erie denies your claim is to read the claim denial or settlement offer letter carefully. It’s important to understand the reasoning behind the company’s decision to deny your claim or offer you a lower settlement than you expected. You might find that Erie is within its rights, leaving you without grounds for an appeal.

If you are convinced that Erie has made the wrong decision, write that appeal letter. In addition, you will need to gather evidence to support your argument. This will include:

• Date and time of the incident and any other important dates, such as the date you filed the claim
• Physical and digital copies of important documentation such as eyewitness reports, police reports, and medical records
• Photos of property damage and injuries
• Invoices from medical providers and auto repair shops

The more information you have, the better. Often claims are denied simply because of missing information. Be sure you know how to file an auto insurance claim to avoid these issues in the first place.

Read more: What should I do if my auto insurance claim is denied? 

The Top 4 Reasons Erie Auto Insurance Claims Are Denied

Erie may deny your claim for many different reasons. However, some of the most common reasons for denials or low payouts are:

• The claim exceeds your policy coverage limits: A policy coverage limit is how much an insurer will pay if you are in an accident. If your claim exceeds your coverage’s limit, you will need to pay the difference.
• You missed a payment: Your insurance company can cancel your coverage if you fall behind on payments.
• You are at fault: If you are at fault, your insurer will pay for any damages to the other vehicle and driver. However, you’ll need collision or comprehensive coverage (or both).
• The driver is not named on your insurance policy: If the driver is not named on your policy, Erie can deny coverage. Be sure you know how to cover all family members under the same auto insurance policy if you all share a car.

Still ready to dispute Erie’s decision? If none of the above applies to your situation, or you feel that Erie has wrongly attributed fault, you might be in a good position to appeal the decision.

Erie’s Decision on Your Claim Is Not Always the Last Word

Don’t lose heart if you do not receive the settlement payout you are hoping for or your claim is denied. Appealing the decision could mean a more positive outcome for you. If the company continues to deny your claim after an appeal, you can file a complaint with the state insurance department and consider hiring a lawyer.